On the surface "common sense…

On the surface "common sense" would say more lanes = less traffic, but like most complex issues the solution is not obvious. If this were a plumbing issue one could improve flow by increasing capacity but traffic is much more complex than plumbing. Remove the bike lanes and more drivers will choose that route and more cars will fill that void. Removing the bike will not create a magical empty lane. This reality is call induced demand, more lanes = more traffic. On the surface it defies "common sense" but it is real and measurable. The solution for too many cars is less cars. More lanes does not fix the problem but actually makes this worse. Viable alternatives to driving, like public transit, walking and biking is a real solution. Look at the strategies and evidence from around the world where traffic has been brought under control through alternatives to driving.

Beyond these real proven solutions to traffic congestions, removing bike lanes will mean more dead cyclists for the perceived convenience of drivers. As a taxpayer I cannot live with that. As a driver I am glad to see bike lanes. It is safer for everybody.